Playoff Scenarios: Rapids will clinch tonight if LA defeats San Jose

The Portland Timbers and Real Salt Lake on Saturday joined the New York Red Bulls and Sporting Kansas City as the first four MLS Cup playoff teams, leaving six postseason berths up for grabs.

The Timbers clinched their playoff spot before kicking off on Saturday night, since a 2-0 loss by the Seattle Sounders earlier in the day meant the Timbers could drop no lower than 5th place in the Western Conference.

RSL's point at JELD-WEN Field on Saturday night took them to 53 for the season, ensuring they also cannot finish lower than 5th in the West with one match remaining.

While six postseason spots are yet to be filled, we know they won't be claimed by the Columbus Crew and Vancouver Whitecaps, who both suffered 3-2 losses on Saturday night, which sealed their elimination. Chivas USA, DC United, Dallas, and Toronto had also previously been eliminated from contention.

Below are the scenarios heading into Sunday night's LA vs. SJ match (7:00 p.m. MT, ESPN). In fact, the entire West playoff field will be set with a loss by the Earthquakes: